CHAPTER 1: MANAGING MATERIALS, PLANT, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

Unit of learning code: CON/CU/BUT/CR/04/6

Related Unit of Competency in Occupational Standard: Manage Construction Materials,

Tools and Equipment

1.1 Introduction to the unit of learning

This unit describes the competences in Managing Construction Materials, Tools and Equipment. It
involves preparing site facility for storage, building material and equipment scheduling, ordering and
receiving materials & equipment and preparing periodic construction material & equipment report

1.2 Summary of Learning Outcomes

1. Prepare site facility for storage
2. Prepare building material schedule
3. Prepare building equipment schedule
4. Procure building materials and equipment
5. Issue building materials and equipment

1.2.1 Learning outcome 1: Prepare site facility for storage

1.2.1.1 Introduction to the learning outcome
This learning outcome specifies the content of competencies required to Prepare site
facility for storage. It includes; Building materials, tools and equipment, Clearing,
Leveling and Erection of the facility.

1.2.1.2 Performance Standard

1.1 Building materials, tools, plant and equipment are assembled as per facility
specifications.
1.2 Facility site is cleared and levelled
1.3 Storage facility is erected as per working drawing

1.2.1.3 Information Sheet

a) Definition of terms.
 Building material-
Is material used for construction.
 Tools-
Refers to instruments that are used by hand in construction.
 Equipment-
Generally, refers to a set of tools used for a single purpose.
 Plant-

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 Generally, refers to heavy machinery and equipment used for construction.
 A building site-
Is the place where the building is, or will be, located.
 Storage of Materials –
This can be defined as the provision of adequate space, protection and control for
building materials and components held on site during the construction process.
 Site Layout –
Construction site layout involves identifying, sizing, and placing temporary
facilities (TFs) within the boundaries of construction site. These temporary
facilities range from simple lay-down areas to warehouses, fabrication shops,
maintenance shops, batch plant, and residence facilities. Required temporary
facilities and their areas are depending in many factors including project type,
scale, design, location, and organization of construction work.
 Site storage-
Site storage involves the provision of adequate space, protection and control
for materials, components and equipment that are to be kept on a construction
site during the building process.

b) Factors Affecting the Selection of Construction Material Strength

Strength is an essential parameter for quality control in the construction and most
important selection criteria for building material. It shows the ability of a material to
withstand the failure under the action of stresses caused by loads such as
compression, tension, bending and/or impact etc. that can be caused either due to the
forces of nature or can be man-made.
The factors are as follows:-
 Life of Material
All materials should have long and maintenance free life. The durability of the
structure depends on the materials used so don’t cut corners or else be ready to
pay hefty maintenance costs.
 Handling and Storage
While selecting the building materials, it’s necessary to take into account their
handling and storage because it affects the construction time, requirement of
labour and equipment for handling, and of courses of the cost.
 Local Availability
Availability of building materials also affects the cost and the time of
construction because certain materials are available at a particular place and are
difficult to transport. In that case, not only the transportation costs will be very
high but it will also delay the work. On the other hand, if the material is locally
available it decreases the transportation cost. It’s also a time saver and
construction work can also be done smoothly.
 Climate

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 Another important aspect of the choice of materials is the climate. Factors like
the average range of temperature throughout the year, rain or snowfall, seasons,
amount of sunlight, required ventilation and wind are areas of concern. Hence
chosen material for construction should complement the climate. When climate
comes in the picture automatically the properties of materials also come in the
picture.
 Nature of Project
Choice of material is a great deal in construction. The choice of material should
be done cautiously as it directly affects the user. One significant area of concern
which governs the choice of material is the nature of the project. Nature of
project means residential, commercial, gathering space etc. The material used
defines the built space. It also leads to other key factors like investment budget.
 Specifications
Based on your requirements like strength, aesthetic look etc. you should define
the specifications and quality of materials that would go into the structure.
Assume you want to purchase cement for construction then it’s essential to know
what type of cement you want to purchase to meet the required specification.
 Maintenance
Maintenance is also an important selection criterion for construction material
because the good materials are those which are easy and economical to maintain.
Maintenance will help to keep the look of building for a long time period and
will increase the life of the building.
c) Factors Affecting Selection of Construction Equipment
 Economic factors
Economic considerations such as the cost of owning the equipment and
operation and fuel costs are some of the most important factors that play a
deciding role in selecting the equipment. Besides, consideration over resale value
is also very important.

 Factors specific to companies

The selection of Construction Equipment also depends on the need of the
company. If the company has a lot of projects in hand for the coming few
months or even years, then it definitely makes sense for it to invest in the heavy
CE. However, if there is a one-off job or a short term job that needs to be
completed, then the company might opt for renting the equipment.
Further, if the company is doing really well and is ready to expand, then this
also has a considerable impact on CE selection decision. Also, the amount of
outsourcing the company does to execute its projects has an impact on CE
selection decision. If the projects are given on a contract-basis to the third
party, then the investment on equipment is kept low. Further, storage issues
also come into play.If the company has its own industrial garage where it can
store the equipment, then it may prefer to buy the CE.

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  Factors specific to the jobsite
Both ground as well as climatic conditions at the site also affects the selection
decision.
For example, the soil and overall terrain at the jobsite and nearby
surroundings define which CE should be used.
At the same time, climatic conditions such as the presence of strong winds,
visibility level etc., also affect the decision process.
 Factors specific to the equipment
CE are always very costly. So, standard equipment which are manufactured in
large numbers by various manufacturers and whose spare parts are easily
available are preferred by the companies.
The size of the equipment is also an important factor. The bigger the
equipment, the more the investment and other considerations.
In addition, versatility of the equipment whether it can perform more than
one function, the adaptability for future use and the interaction with other
equipment also affects the selection of CE.
Further, if the company is in a position to bear the repair and maintenance
cost, then it can select any equipment type but if the case is otherwise, then a
lot of thought needs to be put in before finalizing on any equipment.
 Project timeline considerations
Project deadlines also affect the selection of the equipment.
If there is limited time available to complete a project, then companies may
prefer highly advanced CE that can reduce a project’s completion time
significantly.
 Labor considerations
This also highly affects the selection decision.
If there is a shortage of manpower at the jobsite, then the companies may opt
for highly automated machines.
Further, the selection of CE may also be highly governed by the availability
or non-availability of trained manpower as then the company may or may not
opt for highly sophisticated equipment.
 Safety considerations
Any construction site is the locus of multiple high-risk activities.
There are obvious safety concerns associated with workers operating on the
ground, particularly within confined spaces when heavy materials are being
moved around.
Hence, in such cases, companies may have to select equipment which
ensures safety of the workers.
Thus, safety considerations also affect the selection of the equipment.
d) Factors affecting site allocation for material storage

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 Space available after areas for units of accommodation has been allocated.
Access facilities on site for delivery, vehicles.
Relationship of storage area(s) to activity area(s) the distance between them
needs to be kept as short as possible to reduce transportation needs in terms of
time and costs to the minimum. Alternatively storage areas and work areas need
to be sited within the reach of any static transport plant such as a tower crane.
Security needs to be considered in the context of site operations, vandalism and
theft.
Stock holding policy too little storage could result in delays waiting for
materials to be delivered, too much storage can be expensive in terms of weather
and security protection requirements apart from the capital used to purchase the
materials stored on site.
e) Factors to be considered when deciding on the amount and nature
of storage required-:

 Physical properties:
The size, shape, weight and mode of delivery.
 Organization:
The planning process to ensure unloading is available and storage space has
been allocated.
 Control:
Processes for checking the quality and quantity of materials on delivery,
and monitoring stock holdings.
 Protection:
The necessary protection for durable and non-
durable materials and components from damage.
 Security:
Guarding against theft and vandalism.
 Costs:
Costs associated with handling, transporting and stacking requirements, the
workforce required, heating and/or lighting that may be required, facilities to
be provided for subcontractors, and so on.
 Processing:
What needs to be done to materials before they can be used. Is
there packaging that needs to be removed or returned?
 Programme:
When are items required, what is the risk to the project of them not being
available, how long in advance are they ordered and how long they will be on
site.
 Ownership:
Who is legally responsible for items, who will be using them and who owns
them? See Materials on site for more information.

f) Site allocation –

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 The location and size of space to be allocated should be planned carefully as
part of an overall site layout plan and each site will present its own
problems. Failure to adequately plan for storage space can result in congestion,
or having more materials on site than storage space allows for.
The most appropriate position on site in terms of handling, storage and
convenience should be determined. Unloading deliveries should take place in a
clearly marked designated area, away from other site operations, supervised by
a competent person.
The distance between storage areas and the area materials are to be used should
be reduced as much as possible to keep the time and cost required
to transport them from place to place at a minimum.
Alternatively, storage areas could be positioned within the reach of a tower
crane which can then be used to move materials as required.

g) Procedures of Site Preparation.

(i) Site Clearing-
This is the first task of site preparation. The site should be in a cleared and
graded condition. It involves the removal of trees, demolishing buildings,
removing any and all old underground infrastructure, and any other obstacles
that might affect the construction process in the future or hinder the project to
be done.
(ii) Site Surveying –
If your building block is not clearly identified by survey pegs, you cannot be
certain that you are building on the correct block. A surveyor will survey the
site and line out exactly where the structure or road project is to be built.
The Surveying process is not an option it is a requirement for most zoning
and permitting processes.
Surveying is the translation of a contractor’s set of construction plans into a
physical representation on the project site.
The function of the surveyor is to locate the boundaries of the structure to be
built and is denoted with physical markers, usually a lathe, pin, or survey
stake in a horizontal position.
However, the surveyor’s marks are also communication to the contractor as to
the actual elevation and the required cut or fill necessary to obtain the design
elevation. It also includes the checking of improvements and temporary
construction items placed to construct those improvements.
Contractors use the surveyor’s marks to verify the horizontal and vertical
location to the construction plans.
(iii) Soil Testing-

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 Soil testing is a vital important task that needs to be done before the site
is purchased.
The composition of the soil must be known so as to examine the ability to
withstand structure and to test the ability to absorb water.
The site Engineer will insist that you do all necessary soil testing before
commencing any structural task on the soil.
If the soil at the site is not suitable for the future project, then there may
be no choice but to look for another site which has soil suitable for the
project
(iv) Site Plan Design-
After the soil testing is done all necessary drainage and septic tanks are
installed, the next step is to modify the design to indicate placement of
septic systems and all necessary fixtures.
Nothing can be done without designing the site, and above all making
permanent record of what is underground.
A construction site is a living breathing thing, it changes daily, as
placement of a water tank underground changes slightly because of
underground rock formations for instance, this must be noted for future
reference.
The site plan will show newly developed access roads for construction
vehicles and temporary storage areas for supplies to be delivered.
The site plan will also depict where the building should be after it is
built.
Unlike other steps taken in site preparation, the site plan is updated in the
field and revisions are carried out in office by consultants.
(v) Site investigation-
Geotechnical site investigation performed in order to characterize soil, rock
and groundwater condition of the proposed site.
A geotechnical site investigation is the process of collecting information and
evaluating the conditions of the site for the purpose of designing and
constructing the foundation for a structure, such as a building, plant, road,
parking lot or bridge.
h) Elements of Site Layout Planning
 Safety
 Fire prevention:
Fire is a major cause of damage on construction sites. So that, fire
extinguishers are basic requirements on a construction project.
 Medical services:
On construction project a first aid kit is a must. In remote projects a well-
equipped medical room with a doctor and nurse is important.
 Construction safety clothing:

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 Basic safety supplies like safety shoes, hard hats, gloves, and goggles must be
used by workers.

 Site Accessibility
Easy accessibility will keep the morale of the equipment and vehicle drivers high
minimize the chance of accidents, and save time in maneuvering to arrive at and
leave the project.
In case of large projects, proper planning is required to layout the roads leading
from the nearest highway.
Internal roads are necessary for easy flow of work.
Also, Parking Lots are provided for the owner, office, and craft personnel, but
this facility must be planned where space does exist.

 Information Signs
 Site map:
It should locate details of the project, and displayed in the office of the site
superintendent or project manager and posted at the entrance gate.
 Traffic regulatory signs:
For large projects, traffic regulatory signs help in guiding the traffic on the
site and avoid accidents to a considerable extent.
 Display of labor relations’ policy and safety rules:
This will help in eliminating disputes between labor and management.
 Emergency routes and underground services:
It is important to display the emergency escape routes on every floor as the
building progresses. Locations of underground services should be marked to
prevent its damage.

 Security
 Entrance:
It is necessary to have a proper guard entrance to the site provided by a
booth.
Also, it is necessary to keep track of all visitors to the project.
 Lighting:
It is necessary to have a standby generator to maintain site lighting.
 Fencing:
The boundary should be fenced off from a security point of view.

 Accommodation
On large construction projects, it is necessary to provide camp accommodation
for all type of staff involved in the project.

 Offices
The offices should be close together, close to the site, and in a safe area.
Also, provide the offices with proper office equipment.
The offices at the site may include job office, general contractor office, and
sub-contractors and consultants Offices.

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 Water Supply and Sanitation
It is necessary to have water and toilet facilities in convenient locations to
accommodate the work force.

 Material Handling
One third or more of all construction operations can be classified as material
handling.
The use of proper equipment for material handling and advance planning for
minimizing multiple handling will result in direct cost and time savings.

 Storage and site cleaning

It is necessary to plan and reserve storage areas for materials so that multiple
movement of material is avoided.
 Laydown areas:
Areas reserved for storage of large materials and equipment and it can be
short-term or long-term.
 Warehouses:
They are sheltered storage facilities where materials are stored until they
have disbursed to the job.
 Material staging areas:
They used when materials are stored near the work on a short-term basis.
They are generally as close to work as possible.
 Site cleaning:
It is necessary at a work place and especially where the extent of debris
produced is high. Regular disposal of debris is necessary.

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 Ref, Advance construction Technology (4th.edition) by Roy chudley and Roger
Greeno page 25.
Fig 1. Site layout example: proposed layout of accommodation and storage

 Storing Timber on site

Timber should always be stored in the proper way to ensure it does not deteriorate.
This involves keeping it dry and covered in colder conditions so as to prevent
surface freezing and keeping it off the ground and spaced to allow air to move
around the timber freely. You should always keep timber stored flat so as to prevent
it from warping or twisting over time.
Start by selecting a functional location on solid ground. It should be level, protected
from sun and rain, and provide good air circulation. An open shed or outside area
with a metal roof over the top is ideal.

To Store a quantity of lumber( timber) containing 1" (25mm) and thicker boards
from 6" (150mm) to 10" (250mm) wide and 6' to 10' long, follow the procedure
below to build a proper stack using the materials shown in Figure 2 .below.

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 https://www.woodcraft.com/blog_entries/how-to-air-dry-lumber-turn-
freshly-cut-stock-into-a-cash-crop-of- woodworking-woods#

Fig.2 Building A conventional Air-Drying Storage Stack

 Storing Procedure for Air-Drying Storage Stack-:

(i) Put a sheet of heavy (at least 4 mil) plastic on the ground to keep moisture
away.
(ii) Then lay out the landscaping timbers to raise the stack off the ground by at
least 4" to 6". For 1" thick boards (4/4), the timbers should be about 20"
apart to keep the boards from sagging. They need to form a flat surface, as
the boards will conform to the timbers as they dry.
(iii) Next, lay a sticker along each landscape timber.
(iv) Start the stack with the longest ones if the boards vary in length, Put the
slower drying boards (thicker or slow-drying species) on the bottom, since
they’ll be the last ones to be ready for use. I recommend identifying the
species with a tag, so they will be easy to sort after they air-dry.

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 (v) Leave an inch or two of space between the boards for good air circulation by
using stickers/spacers of the same thickness.
(vi) Align the stickers vertically so they transmit the weight of the stack straight
down to the ground. Having a second person makes stacking easier, since it
allows you to each take an end of the board and set it straight down without
moving the stickers. Go as high as you safely can. I stop at 6'.
With a stack that is out in the open, do what you can to keep the rain and sun
off, while allowing good air circulation. Whatever cover you use should sit
on a layer of stickers to allow air to flow over the top of the stack.
(vii) If this is a one-time proposition, overlap some scrap lumber on the stack to
shed water, and strap or weight it down.
(viii) Metal roofing, like the kind you get at a home centers, is better. Then comes
the hard part…waiting.
The European style involves stacking slabbed wood (with one or both
edges left natural) to reconstruct the log (Photo C).
This allows the craftsman to select matching grain and create book-matched
tabletops. The same drying principles apply to this stacking approach. Once
the stack is assembled, put a couple of ratcheting straps on it to keep it from
warping badly. Once a week or so, tighten down the ratchet straps. They
tend to loosen some as the wood dries and shrinks. The top slab protects the
stack from rain, and the edges naturally shed water. Unlike conventional
stacking, it is not an efficient use of space.

1.2.1.4 Learning Activities

a) Practical activities
The trainee is expected to assemble building material, tools, plant and equipment.

b) Field/visit to construction site

Visit objective/Aim Indicators Special

instruction
To establish clearing and Procedure followed during As Per The
leveling facility site and clearing, leveling and erecting Working Drawing
erecting storage facility of storage facility.
facility.

Table 1.3: field visit objectives, indications and instruction on site clearing, leveling
and erection of storage facility.

1.2.1.5 Self-Assessment
1. What are the Factors that can affect site allocation for material storage?
2. What are the considerations during Selection of Construction Material?
3. What the content of billboard at the construction site?
4. Why do we fence a construction site?

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 5. Why do site investigation before establishment of a construction site?
6. Why do we soil testing before establishment of a construction?

1.2.1.6 Tools, Equipment, Supplies and Materials

Tools Tape measure
Gauge box
Wood float
Plumb bob
Equipment Computer
Transporters
Lifts
Bulldozers
Excavators
Leveling apparatus
Supplies and materials Personal protective equipment (PPEs)
Gum boots
Gloves
Dust coats
First aid kit
Life jacket
Ear muffs
Dust mask
Stationery
Files
Cement
Sand
concrete

Resource A functioning construction site

British Standard Specification

Table 1.4: Tools, equipment, supplies and materials for a visit to a construction site

1.2.1.7 References
Richard, F. (Ed)(2002) Construction Management In Practice.

Dennis, L. (Ed) (2004) Project Management In Construction.

Barry, F. (Ed) (1997) The Practice Of Construction Management.

Jim, w. (Ed) (1997) Site Management Of Building Services Of Contractors.

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 Trever, M. (Ed)(1999)Site Management For Engineers.

Roy chudley and Roger Greeno, Advance construction Technology (4th.edition)

https://www.woodcraft.com/blog_entries/how-to -air-dry-lumber-turn-freshly-cut-

stock-into-a-cash-crop-of- woodworking-woods#

1.2.1.8 Responses to Self-Assessment

1. What are the Factors that can affect site allocation for material storage?
 Space available after areas for units of accommodation have been allocated.
 Access facilities on site for delivery, vehicles.
 Relationship of storage area(s) to activity area(s) the distance between them
needs to be kept as short as possible to reduce transportation needs in terms
of time and costs to the minimum. Alternatively storage areas and work
areas need to be sited within the reach of any static transport plant such as
a tower crane.
 Security needs to be considered in the context of site operations, vandalism
and theft.
 Stock holding policy too little storage could result in delays waiting for
materials to be delivered, too much storage can be expensive in terms of
weather and security protection requirements apart from the capital used to
purchase the materials stored on site.
2. What are the considerations during Selection of Construction Material?
 Strength
 Life of Material
 Handling and Storage
 Local Availability
 Climate
 Nature of Project
 Safety considerations
3. What the content of billboard at the construction site
 Name of the project
 Client of the project
 Name of the contractor
 Period of the project

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  Name of the quantity surveyor
 Name of the supervisor
4. Why do we fence a construction site?
 To control theft
 To prevent accident
 To control pass by
 For easy supervision
5. Why do site investigation before establishment of a construction site?
 Geotechnical site investigation performed in order to characterize soil, rock
and groundwater condition of the proposed site. A geotechnical site
investigation is the process of collecting information and evaluating the
conditions of the site for the purpose of designing and constructing the
foundation for a structure, such as a building, plant, road, parking lot or
bridge.
6. Why do we soil testing before establishment of a construction?
 Soil testing is a vital important task that needs to be done before the site is
purchased. The composition of the soil must be known so as to examine the
ability to withstand structure and to test the ability to absorb water. The site
Engineer will insist that you do all necessary soil testing before commencing any
structural task on the soil. If the soil at the site is not suitable for the future
project, then there may be no choice but to look for another site which has soil
suitable for the project

1.2.2 Learning Outcome 2: Prepare building material schedule

1.2.2.1 Introduction to the learning outcome
This learning outcome specifies the content of competencies required to Prepare
building material schedule. It includes; Types of materials, Standard material
schedule and Standard materials rates.

1.2.2.2 Performance Standard

2.1 Types of materials to be used be used are identified and listed.

2.2 Building materials are quantified and recorded on a standard schedule

2.3 Quoted rates are included in the material schedule

1.2.2.3 Information Sheet

a) Types of building materials used in construction
 Stones-

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Building stones are obtained from rocks occurring in Nature.

 Uses of stones -:
 Structure :
Stones are used for foundations, walls, columns, lintels, arches, roofs, floors,
damp proof course etc.
 Face works :
Stones are adopted to give massive appearance to the structure. Walls are of
bricks and facing is done in stones of desired shades. This is known as
composite masonry.
 Paving stones:
These are used to cover floor of building of various types such as
residential, commercial, industrial etc. They are also adopted to form paving
of roads, foot paths etc.
 Basic material:
Stones are disintegrated and converted to form a basic material for cement
concrete, murum of roads, Calcareous cements, artificial stones, hallow
blocks etc.
 Misalliances:
Stones are also used for ballast for Railways, flux in blast furnace and locks
in the Construction of bridges, piers, abutments, retaining walls, Light
houses, dams etc
.
 Qualities of a good building stone
 Crushing strength:
For a good building stone, the crushing Strength should be greater than
l000kg per cm2.
 Appearance:
Good building stone should be a uniform Colour, and free from clay
holes, spots of other colour bands etc. capable of preserving the colour for
longtime.
 Durability:
A good building stone should be durable. The factors like heat and cold
alternative wet and dry dissolved Gases in rain, high wind velocity etc.
affect the durability.
 Fracture:
For good building stone its fracture should be Sharp, even and clear.
 Hardness:
The hardness greater than 17, treated as hard used for road works. It is
between 14 to 17, medium hardness, less 14 said be poor hardness.
 Percentage wear:
For a good building stone, the percentage Wear should be equal to or less
than 3% percent.
 Resistance to fire:
A good building stone be fire proof. Sandstone, Argillaceous stone resists
fire quite well
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 Specific gravity:
For a good building stone the specific Gravity should be greater than 8.7
or so.
 Texture:
A good building stone should have compact fine crystalline structure
should be free from cavities, cracks or patches of stuff or loose material.
 Water absorption:
For a good building stone, the percentage Absorption by weight after 24
hours should not exceed 0.60.
 Seasoning:
Stones should be well seasoned before putting into use. A period of about
6 to 12 months is considered to be Sufficient for proper seasoning.
 Toughness Index:
Impact test, the value of toughness less Than 13 – Not tough, between 13
and 19 – Moderate, greater than 19- high
 Aggregates-:
Aggregates are derived from igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks or are
manufacture from Clays, slag etc.

 Properties of Aggregates
 Aggregates should be Durable, and free from clay, loam, vegetables and
other such foreign matters.
 Should be well graded

Adopted from the constructor .com

Figure 3: A picture of poorly graded and well graded aggregate.

 Classification of Aggregates.
 Fine Aggregates:
The material, most of when passes through 4.75mm I.S. sieve size is termed
as fine aggregates. It should Not contain more than 1 to 8% of fine particles,
which may be Obtained from sea, river, lake or pit may be used as fine
Aggregates but care should be taken all its impurities must be removed

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  Coarse Aggregates:
The material whose particles are of such Size as are retained on 4.75mm, I.S
sieve are called coarse Aggregates. The size of the coarse aggregates used
depends Upon the nature of work. The maximum size may be 23mm for
mass concrete such as dams etc. and 63mm for plain concrete. Crushed hard
stone and gravel is the common materials used as coarse aggregates for
structural concretes. Coarse aggregates usually obtained by crashing granite,
gneiss, crystalline lime stone and good variety of sandstone etc.
 Bricks-:
Bricks are obtained by moulding clay in rectangular blocks of uniform
size and then by drying and burning these blocks.
 Classification of bricks
 Un burnt or Sun dried bricks-
UN burn or sun dried with the help of heat received from sun after the
process of moulding. These bricks can only be used in the constructions of
temporary and cheap structures. Such bricks should not be used at places
exposed to heavy rains.
 Burnt Bricks:
The bricks used in construction works are burnt bricks and they are
classified into the following four categories.
 Qualities of Good Brick.
It should-:
 Be table moulded, well burnt in kilns, copper coloured, free from cracks
and with sharp and square edges.
 Have uniform shape and of standard Size.
 give clear ringing sound when struck each other.
 Show a bright homogeneous texture when broken
 Have compact structure that is free from voids.
 Not absorb water more than 20 percent by weight for first class bricks
and 22 percent by weight for Second class bricks, when soaked in cold
water for a period of 24 hours.
 Be sufficiently hard ,and no impression should be left on brick surface,
when scratched with finger nail.
 Be of low thermal conductivity
 Be sound proof.
 Not break when dropped flat on hard ground from a height of about one
meter.
 Not show Deposits of white salts when soaked in water for 24hours,
allowed to dry in shade.
 No brick should have crushing strength below 55kg/cm2 2.4 Special
Types:
 Be made in a wide range of shapes and to suit the requirements of the
location where they are to be used.
 Cement –
Cement in its broadest term means any substance which acts as binding agent for
materials natural cement (Roman Cement) is obtained by burning and crushing

18
the stones containing clay, carbonates of lime and some amount of carbonate of
magnesia.
The clay content in such stones is about 20 to 40 percent. Natural cement
resembles very closely eminent hydraulic lime. It is not strong as artificial
cement, so it has limited use in practice.
Artificial cement is obtained by burning at very high temperature a mixture of
calcareous and argillaceous materials in correct proportion. Calcined product is
known as clinker. A small quantity of gypsum is added to clinker and it is then
pulverized into very fine powder is known cement.
Cement was invented by a mason Joseph Aspdin of Leeds in England in 1824.
The common variety of artificial cement is known as normal setting cement or
ordinary cement or Portland cement.

 Types of Cement
 Acid Resistance Cement:
This is consists of acid resistance aggregates such as quartz, quartzite’s,
etc., additive such as sodium fluro silicate (Na2SiO6) and Aqueous
solution of sodium silicate.This is used for acid resistant and heat
resistant coating of installations of chemical Industry. By adding 0.5
percent of unseen oil or 2 percent of ceresin, its resistance to water is
increased and known as acid water resistant cement.
 Blast Furnace Cement:
For this cement slag is obtained from blast furnace in the manufacture of
pig iron and it contains basic elements of cement, namely alumina, lime
and silica.
The properties of this cement are more or less the same as those of
ordinary cement and prove to be economical as the slag, which is waste
product, is used in its manufacture.
 Coloured Cement:
Cement of desired colour may be obtained by intimately mixing mineral
pigments with Page 46 Building Materials & Construction ordinary
cement. The amount of colouring may vary from 5 to 10 percent and
strength of cement if it is exceeds 10 percent.
Chromium oxide gives brown, red or yellow for different proportions.
Coloured cements are used for finishing of floors, external surfaces,
artificial marble, windows
 Expanding Cement:
This type of cement is produced by adding an expanding medium like
sulpho – aluminate and a stabilizing agent to ordinary cement. Hence
this cement expands where as other cement shrinks.
Expanding cement is used for the construction of water retaining
structures and also for repairing the damaged concrete surfaces.
 High alumina Cement:
This cement is produced by grinding clinkers formed by calcining
bauxite and lime.

19
 The total content should not be less than 32 percent and the ratio by
weight of alumina to lime should be between 0.85 and 1.30.
 Hydrophobic Cement:
This type of cement contains admixtures, which decreases the wetting
ability of cement grains.
The usual hydrophobic admixtures are acidol napthene soap, oxidized
petrolatum etc.
when hydrophobic cement is used, the fire pores in concrete are
uniformly distributed and thus the frost resistance and the water
resistance of such concrete are considerably increased.
 Low Heat Cement:
Considerable heat is produced during the setting action of cement. In
order to reduce the amount of heat, this type of cement is used. It
contains lower percentage of tri -calcium aluminates C3A and higher
percentage of dicalcium silicate C2s.
This type of cement is used for mass concrete works because it
processes less compressor strength.
 Pozzuolona Cement:
Pozzuolona is a volcanic powder and the percentage should be
between 10 to 30.
 Quick Setting Cement:
This cement is prepared by adding a small percentage aluminum
sulphate which reduces the percentage of gypsum or retarded for
setting action and accelerating the setting action of cement.
As this cement hardness less than 30 minutes, mixing and placing
operations should be completed.
This cement is used to lay concrete under static water or running
water.
 Rapid Hardening cement:
This cement has same initial and final setting times as that of ordinary
cement.
But it attains high strength in early days
 Sulphate Resisting Cement:
In this cement percentage of tricalcium aluminates is kept below 5 to 6
percent and it results in the increase in resisting power against
sulphate.
This cement is used for structure which are likely to be damaged by
sever alkaline condition such as canal linings, culverts, siphons etc.
 White Cement:
This is a variety of ordinary cement and it is prepared form such raw
materials which are practically free from colouring oxides of Iron,
manganese or chromium. For burning of this cement, oil fuel is used
instead of coal. It is used for floor finish; plaster work, ornamental
works etc.
 Uses of Cement
 Cement mortar for masonry work, plaster, pointing etc.

20
  Concreter for laying floors, roofs and constructing lintels, beams,
weather sheds, stairs, pillars etc.
 Construction of important engineering structure such as bridges,
culverts, dams, tunnels storage reservoirs, light houses, deckles etc.
 Construction of water tanks, wells, tennis courts, septic tanks,
lampposts, roads, telephone cabins etc.
 Making joints for drains, pipes etc.
 Manufacture of pre -cast pipes, piles, garden seats, artificially designed
urns, flowerpots, etc. dustbins, fencing posts etc.
 Preparation of foundations, watertight floors, footpaths etc.

 Sand
Sand is an important building material used in the preparation of mortar,

 Types of sand
 Pit Sand:
This sand is found as deposits in soil and it is obtained by forming pits to a
depth of about 1m to 2m from ground level. Pit sand consists of sharp
angular grains, which are free from salts for making mortar, clean pit sand
free from organic and clay should only be used.
 Rive Sand:
This sand is obtained from beds of rivers. River sand consists of fine
rounded grains. Colour of river sand is almost white. As the river sand is
usually available in clean condition, it is widely used for all purposes.
 Sea Sand:
This sand is obtained from sea shores. Sea sand consists of rounded grains in
light brown colour. Sea sand consists of salts which attract the moisture
from the atmosphere and causes dampness, efflorescence and disintegration
of work. Due to all such reasons, sea sand is not recommendable for sand

 Characteristics of sand
 It should be chemically inert
 It should be clean and coarse. It should be free from organic matter.
 It should contain sharp, angular and durable grains.
 It should not contain salts, which attract the moisture from Atmosphere.
 It should be well graded (i.e.) should contain particles of various sizes in
suitable proportions.

 Mortar
The term mortar is used to indicate a paste prepared by adding required
quantity of water to a mixture of binding material like cement or Lime and fine
aggregates like sand. The two components of mortar namely the binding
material and fine aggregates are sometimes referred to as matrix the durability,
quality and strength of mortar will mainly depends on quantity and quality of
the matrix.The combined effect of the two components of mortar is that the
mass is able to bind the bricks or stones firmly

21
  Properties of good mortar
 It should be capable of developing good adhesion with the building units
such as bricks, stones etc.
 It should be capable of developing the designed stresses.
 It should be capable of resisting penetration of rainwater.
 It should be cheap.
 It should be durable.
 It should be easily workable.
 It should not affect the durability of materials with which it comes into
contact.

 Timber
Timber denotes wood, which is suitable for building or carpentry or various other
engineering purposes like for construction of doors, windows, roofs, partitions,
beams, posts, cupboards, shelves etc.

 Characteristics of good timbers

 Appearance:
A freshly cut surface of timber should exhibit hard and of shining
appearance.
 Colour:
A colour should preferably be dark
 Defects:
A good timber should be free from series defects Such as knots, flaws,
shakes etc.
 Durability:
A good timber should be durable and capable of resisting the action of fungi,
insects, chemicals, physical agencies, and mechanical agencies.
 Elasticity:
The timber returns to its original shape when load Causing its deformation is
removed
 Fire resistance:
A dense wood offers good resistance to fire
 Hardness:
A good timber should be hard
 Mechanical wear:
A good timber should not deteriorate Easily due to mechanical wear or
abrasion
 Shape:
A good timber should be capable of retaining its shape during conversion or
seasoning
 Smell:
A good timber should have sweet smell. Unpleasant smell indicates decayed
timber
 Sound :

22
 A good timber should give a clear ringing sound
 Toughness:
A good timber should be tough (i.e.) capable of
Offering resistance to shocks due to vibration
 Water permeability:
A good timber should have low water permeability, which is measured by the
quantity of water filtered through unit surface area of specimen of wood.
 Weathering effects:
A good timber should be able to stand
Reasonably the weathering effects (dry & wet)

 Uses of timber
 Used in the form of piles, posts, beams, lintels, door/window
Frames and leaves roof members etc.
 Used for flooring, ceiling, paneling and construction of
Partition walls
 Used for form work for concrete, for the timbering of trenches, centering
for arch work, scaffolding, transmission poles and fencing
 Used in wagon and coach building, marine installations and bridges
 Used in making furniture.

 Metals:
Metals are employed for various engineering purposes such as structural members,
roofing materials, damp proof courses, pipes, tanks, doors, windows etc. out of all
the metals, iron is the most popular metal and it has been used in construction
activity since pre-historic times. For the purpose of study metals are grouped in the
following two categories

 Types Of Metal and Their Uses

 Steel
Is an alloy of iron combined with a small percentage of carbon. It is strong,
flexible and long lasting making it the most preferred metal for structural
building. It is commonly used to make reinforced concrete used as support
for structures in buildings, dams and bridges.
 Copper
is commonly used for electric wires, indoor design elements and piping for
water supply.
 Aluminum
is used for gutters, roofing sheets and roofing nails while other metals such
a gold silver and chrome are used for decorations due to their high cost and
lack of tensile strength and hardness

 Plastics
Plastic is one the recent engineering materials, which has appeared in the market all
over the world. Plastic is an organic substance and it consists of natural or synthetic

23
 binder or resins with or without moulding compounds. Plastics are the compounds
of carbon with other elements such as hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen.

 Uses of Plastics
 Bath and Sink units
 Cistern ball floats
 Corrugated and plain sheets
 Decorative laminate and mouldings
 Electrical conducts
 Electrical insulations
 Films of water proofing, damp proofing
 Floor tiles
 Foams for thermal insulation
 Joistless flooring
 Lighting fixtures

 Glass
Glass is a mixture of a number of metallic silicates, one of which is usually that of
an alkali metal. It is a amorphous, transparent or translucent. It may also be
considered as a solidified super cooled solution of various metallic silicates having
infinite viscosity.

 Uses of glass
 Soda lime glass:
It is used in the manufacture of glass tubes, laboratory apparatus, plate
glass, window glass etc.
 Potash lime glass:
It is used in the manufacturer of glass articles, which have to with stand
high temperatures.
 Potash – Lead glass:
It is used in the manufacture of artificial gems, electric bulbs, lenses,
prisms etc.

b) Factors Affecting Construction Cost Estimation

 Similar Construction Projects –
For the construction estimate, the best reference will be similar construction
projects. The final cost of those similar projects can give the idea for the new
construction project cost calculation. The final cost of past project needs to be
factored with current construction cost indices.
 Construction Material Costs-
Construction material cost consists of material cost, shipping charges and taxes
applicable if any. So, it is important consider all these variations while
calculating construction material cost.
 Labor Wage Rates –
Labor wages varies place to place. So, local wage rate should be considered in
calculation. If the project has to be started after several months of estimating the

24
 project cost, the probable variation in wage rates has to be considered in the
calculation.
 Construction Site Conditions Project –
site conditions can increase construction costs. Site conditions such as poor soil
conditions, wetlands, contaminated materials, conflicting utilities (buried pipe,
cables, overhead lines, etc.), environmentally sensitive area, ground water, river
or stream crossings, heavy traffic, buried storage tanks, archaeological sites,
endangered species habitat and similar existing conditions etc. can increase the
project cost during construction phase if these variations are not considered
during estimation.
 Inflation Factor-
A construction project can continue for years before completion. During the
construction period, the cost of materials, tools, labors, equipment etc. may vary
from time to time. These variations in the prices should be considered during
cost estimation process.
 Project Schedule-
Duration of construction project is affects the cost. Increase in project duration
can increase the construction project cost due to increase in indirect costs, while
reduction in construction cost also increases the project cost due to increase in
direct costs. Therefore, construction project schedules also need to be considered
during project cost estimation.
 Quality of Plans & Specifications –
Good quality construction plans and specifications reduces the construction time
by proper execution at site without delay. Any vague wording or poorly drawn
plan not only causes confusion, but places doubt in the contractor’s mind which
generally results in a higher construction cost.
 Reputation of Engineer-
Smooth running of construction is vital for project to complete in time. The cost
of projects will be higher with sound construction professional reputation. If a
contractor is comfortable working with a particular engineer, or engineering
firm, the project runs smoother and therefore is more cost-effective.

c) Steps for preparing materials list-:

 Step 1: Decide what is needed
Firstly, you need to thoroughly read through the site files (including the
drawings and specifications) to work out the required materials. Are any
special materials (eg imported floor coverings) or fixtures required? If so,
you will need to allow additional time to order these in.
 Step 2: Prefab or construct on-site?
Decide how to purchase the materials. There are two options:
Purchase materials for construction on-site, eg timber for on-site framing.
Purchase prefabricated components, eg wall frames, roof trusses.
Today most builders purchase pre-made wall frames and roof trusses
because it speeds up work time on-site.
 Step 3: Work out quantities

25
 Work out the amount of material needed. You can do this by looking at
the measurements on the plans and using these to calculate the various
lengths required.
This information can also be found from lists like a 'timber list' provided
by the estimator as part of the tender for the project. This is the most
efficient way for a building company to operate as it uses information
already available.
If the builder is using a computer program for projects, this will also
include the estimating requirements. It is then very simple to make the
estimates into a request to quote and from there into an order. A building
software system such as 'Databuild' has these work requests built into its
program. Many building materials suppliers have Databuild as part of
their office package and can receive a request to quote from a builder,
prepare a quote and email this back to the builder.

d) Material schedule –
The material schedule in construction is a document that lists all of the building
materials that are required to complete the project. Material schedules are often
organized based on the category for the building, with different schedules for each
component. The material schedule often will include additional information such as
the quantity, description, unit price, total price, and other relevant information related
to the building materials.

MATERIAL SCHEDULE
SUBSTRUCTURE (ALL PROVISIONAL)
ITEMS MATERIAL QTY UNIT RATE MATERIA
COST
Excavation
Site clearance 108 SM 15 1,620.00
Oversite excavation(150mm
108 SM 50 5,400.00
deep)
excavation to reduced level CM 150 0.00
Trench excavation CM 150 0.00
Return, Fill and ram CM 100 0.00
Disposal CM 150 0.00
Blinding to strip footing 2.4 CM
(plain concrete class 15(1:4:8))-
50mm thick Cement 9.192 bags 650 5,974.80
Sand 1.536 t 1500 2,304.00
Ballast 2.328 t 1500 3,492.00

26
Concrete to Strip footing 0 CM
V.R.C class 20/25(1:2:4))-
200mm thick Cement 0 bags 650 0.00
Sand 0 t 1500 0.00
Ballast 0 t 2350 0.00
foundation strip reinforcement D8 links 0 psc 480 0.00
Foundation walling 80 SM
200mm masonry
2310 feet 40 92,400.00
blocks
Mortar 1.76 CM
Cement 14.08 bags 650 9,152.00
Sand 2.992 t 1500 4,488.00
Hardcore fill 108 SM

32.4 CM
300mm th.Hardcore fill
(handpacked) in 150mm layers) 51.84 t 980 50,803.20

50mm Blinding (quarry dust) 108 SM

8.64 tones 500 4,320.00
108
Damp Proof Membrane 500 2.16 rolls 3500 7,560.00
gauge polythene
Anti-Termite treatment 108 SM
2.16 l 1500 3,240.00
Ground floor slab
BRC A142 1.4880952 roll 6000 8,928.57
108
Concrete to Ground floor slab
16.2 CM
Cement 64.8 bags 650 42,120.00
Sand 16.2 t 1500 24,300.00
Ballast 16.2 t 1500 24,300.00

Formwork 10 SM 400 4,000.00

Nails(assuming 3
4 KG 150 600.00
uses)

27
Plinth treatment Plaster 12
Mortar 0.264 CM
Cement 2.112 bags 650 1,372.80
Sand 2 t 1500 3,000.00
Black bituminous 3 350
paint ltrs 1,050.00

FOUNDATION TOTAL TOTAL 300,425.37

walling 200 SM
200mm masonry
7000 psc 13 91,000.00
bricks
Mortar 4.4 CM
Cement 22 bags 650 14,300.00
Sand 7.48 t 1500 11,220.00
116,520.00
plaster Plaster 400
Mortar 10 CM
Cement 60 bags 650 39,000.00
Sand 17 t 1500 25,500.00
paint 100 ltrs 350 35,000.00
TOTAL 99,500.00
beam y8 33 pieces 450 14,850.00
y10 30 pieces 650 19,500.00
concrete 3.6 CM
Cement 14.4 bags 650 9,360.00
Sand 3.6 t 1500 5,400.00
ballast 2.88 t 1500 4,320.00
TOTAL 53,430.00
ROOFING
26 gauge roofing sheets 140
Roof construction in sawn
66.666667 pieces 1500 100,000.00
cypress
150X50mm thick rafters
150X50mm thick tie beans
100X50mm thick struts and ties 448 FT 25 11,200.00
75X50mm thick purlins and sheet
320 FT 8,000.00
brandering timber 25

28
 150X50mm thick wall plate fixed
280 FT 7,000.00
to ring beam with hoop iron and 25
nails
640 FT 16,000.00
25

288 FT 8,640.00
30
70 KG 12,600.00
180

28.8 FT 720.00
25
100 mm x 50mm hip rafter 64 FT 1,600.00
75mm x 50mm thick hip rafter 25
TOTAL FOR ROOF

Table1.5: List of material schedule

1.2.2.4 Learning Activities

a) Practical activities
The trainee is expected to identify and list types of materials to be used, quantify and
record building materials on standard schedule and include quoted rates in the material
schedule.
b) Special instructions: Use British standard manual

c) Field/visit to a working construction site

Visit objective/Aim Indicators Special instruction

To establish quantification Procedure followed during As Per The
and recording of building quantification and recording of Specification standard
material on a standard building material on a standard
schedule and inclusion of schedule and inclusion of quoted
quoted rates in the material rates in the material schedule
schedule

Table 1.6: Field visits, objectives, indicators and instruction for establishment and
recording of building material on standard schedule and inclusion of quoted
rates in the material schedule

29
1.2.2.5 Self-Assessment
1. What are the qualities of good bricks to take into account when selecting bricks for
construction?
2. What are the Properties of good mortar?
3. Why it is that sea sand is not recommended for use in construction work
recommended?
4. What are two main classifications of aggregates?
5. What factor do we consider when filling quotation rates of building material?

1.2.2.6 Tools, Equipment, Supplies and materials

Tools Tape measure

Gauge box
Wood float
Plumb bob
Equipment Computers
Calculator
Printers
Telephone
Price list and catalogue
Supplies and materials Personal protective equipment (PPEs)
Gum boots
Gloves
Dust coats
First aid kit
Reflectors jacket
Ear muffs
Dust mask
Stationery
Files
Stationery

Resource A functioning construction site.

British Standard Specification

Table 1.7: Tools, equipment, supplies and materials for establishment and
recording of building material on standard schedule and inclusion of quoted rates
in the material schedule

30
1.2.2.7 References
Richard, F. (Ed)(2002) Construction Management In Practice.

Dennis, L. (Ed)(2004)Project Management In Construction.

Barry, F. (Ed)(1997)The Practice Of Construction Management.

Jim, w. (Ed)(1997)Site Management Of Building Services Of Contractors.

Trever , M.(Ed)(1999)Site Management For Engineers.

1.2.2.8 Responses to Self –Assessment

1. What are the qualities of good bricks to take into account when selecting bricks for
construction?
 Bricks should be table moulded, well burnt in kilns, copper coloured, free
from cracks and with sharp and square edges.
 Bricks should be uniform shape and should be of standard size
 Bricks should give clear ringing sound when struck each Other.
 Bricks when broken should show a bright homogeneous and compact
structure free from voids.
 Bricks should not absorb water more than 20 percent by weight for first class
bricks and 22 percent by weight for second class bricks, when soaked in cold
water for a period of
2. What are the Properties of good mortar?
 It should be capable of developing good adhesion with the building units such
as bricks, stones etc.
 It should be capable of developing the designed stresses.
 It should be capable of resisting penetration of rainwater.
 It should be cheap.
 It should be durable.
 It should be easily workable.
 It should not affect the durability of materials with which it comes into
contact.
3. Why it is that sea sand is not recommended for use in construction work recommended?
 Sea sand consists of salts which attract the moisture from the atmosphere and
causes dampness, efflorescence and disintegration of work. Due to all such
reasons, sea sand is not recommendable for sand
4. What are two main classifications of aggregates?
 Coarse aggregates
 Fine aggregates

31
 5. What factor do we consider when filling quotation rates of building material?
 Similar Construction Projects.
 Construction Material Costs.
 Labor Wage Rates.
 Construction Site Conditions Project.
 Inflation Factor.
 Quality of Plans & Specifications.

1.2.3 Learning Outcome 3: Prepare building equipment schedule

1.2.3.1 Introduction to the learning outcome
This learning outcome specifies the content of competencies required to Prepare
building equipment schedule. It includes; Types of equipment and Standard
equipment schedule.

1.2.3.2 Performance Standard

a) Types of equipment to be used are identified and listed.
b) Building equipment are numbered and recorded on a standard schedule.
c) Quoted rates are included in the equipment schedule

1.2.3.3 Information Sheet

a) Types of equipment used for construction

 Bulldozers –
These machines consist of a track or wheel mounted power unit with a
mould blade at the front which is controlled by hydraulic rams.
Many bulldozers have the capacity to adjust the mould blade to form an
angledozer and the capacity to tilt the mould blade about a central swivel
point.
Some bulldozers can also fitted with rear attachments such as rollers and
scarifiers.

 Functions of a bulldozer
 Shallow excavations up to 300 m deep either on level ground or
side hill cutting.
 Clearance of shrubs and small trees.
 Clearance of trees by using raised mould blade as a pusher arm.
 Acting as a towing tractor.
 Acting as a pusher to scraper machines.

32
 Adopted from:though.com
Figure 4: a picture of bulldozer

 Scrapers –
These machines consist of a scraper bowl which is lowered to cut and collect
soil where site stripping and leveling operations are required involving large
volume of earth.
When the scraper bowl is full the apron at the cutting edge is closed to retain
the earth and the bowl is raised for travelling to the disposal area.
On arrival the bowl is lowered, the apron opened and the spoil pushed out by
the tailgate as the machine moves forwards.

 Types of scrapers
 Towed Scrapers:
these consist of a four wheeled scraper bowl which is towed behind a
power unit such as a crawler tractor. They tend to be slower than other
forms of scraper but are useful for small capacities with haul distances
up to 30000.

33
  Two Axle Scrapers-:
They have a two wheeled scraper bowl with an attached two wheeled
power unit. They are very maneuverable with a low rolling resistance
and very good traction.
 Three Axle Scrapers-:
These consist of a two wheeled scraper bowl which may have a rear
engine to assist the four wheeled traction engine which makes up the
complement. Generally, these machines have a greater capacity
potential than their counterparts, are easier to control and have a faster
cycle time.

Adopted from: stateplanhire .com

Figure 5: a picture of a scrapper

 Graders -:
These machines are similar in concept to bulldozers in that they have a long
slender adjustable mould blade, which is usually slung under the centre of the
machine.
A grader's main function is to finish or grade the upper surface of a large area
usually as a follow up operation to scraping or bulldozing.
They can produce a fine and accurate finish but do not have the power of a
bulldozer therefore they are not suitable for over site excavation work.
The mould blade can be adjusted in both the horizontal and vertical planes
through an angle of 300 degrees the latter enabling it to be used for grading
sloping banks.

 Types of Graders.
34
  Four Wheeled-:
All wheels are driven and steered which gives the machine the ability to
offset and crab along its direction of travel.
 Six Wheeled-:
This machine has 4 wheels in tandem drive at the rear and 2 front tilting
idler wheels giving it the ability to counteract side thrust

Adopted from: khplant.com

Figure 6: a picture of a Grader

 Tractor Shovels -:
These machines are sometimes called loaders or loader shovels function is to
scoop up loose materials in the front mounted bucket, elevate the bucket and
maneuver into a position to deposit the loose material into an attendant transport
vehicle.
Tractor shovels are driven towards the pile of loose material with the bucket
lowered; the speed and power of the machine will enable the bucket to be filled.
Both tracked and wheeled versions are available, the tracked format being more
suitable for wet and uneven ground conditions than the wheeled tractor shovel
which has greater speed and maneuvering capabilities.
To increase their versatility, tractor shovels can be Fitted with a 4 in 1 bucket
enabling them to carry out bulldozing excavating, clam lifting and loading
activities.

35
 adopted from: shutterstock.com
Figure 7 a picture of tractor shovel

 Excavating Machines -:
These are one of the major items of builder’s plant and are used primarily to
excavate and load most types of soil.
Excavating machines come in a wide variety of designs and sizes but all of them
can be placed within one of three categories

 Types of Excavators
 Universal Excavators-:
This category covers most forms of excavators all of which have a
common factor the power unit.
The universal power unit is a tracked based machine with a slewing
capacity of 360 Degrees and by altering the boom arrangement and
bucket type different excavating functions can be obtained.
These machines are selected for high output requirements and are rope
controlled.
 Purpose Designed Excavators -:
These are machines which have been designed specifically to carry out
one mode of excavation and they usually have smaller bucket capacities

36
 than universal excavators; they are hydraulically controlled with a shorter
cycle time
 Multi-purpose Excavators-
These machines can perform several excavating functions having both
front and rear attachments.
They are designed to carry out small excavation operations of low output
quickly and efficiently.
Multi-purpose excavators can be obtained with a wheeled or tracked
base and are ideally suited for a small building firm with low excavation
plant utilization requirements
 Backactors-
These machines are suitable for trench, foundation and basement excavations
and are available as a universal power unit base machine or as a purpose
designed hydraulic unit.
They can be used with or without attendant haulage vehicles since the spoil can
be placed alongside the excavation for use in back-filling.
These machines will require a low loader transport vehicle for travel between
sites.
Backactors used in trenching operations with a bucket width equal to the trench
width can be very accurate with a high output rating.

37
 Adopted from: alamy .com
Figure 8: a picture of an Excavator

 Draglines -:
These machines are based on the universal power unit with basic crane
rigging to which is attached a drag bucket. The machine is primarily
designed for bulk excavation in loose soils up to 3000mm below its own
track level by swinging the bucket out to the excavation position and
hauling or dragging it back towards the power unit. Dragline machines can
also be fitted with a grab or clamshell bucket for excavating in very loose
soils.

 Transport Vehicles-:
These can be defined as vehicles whose primary function is to convey
passengers or materials between and around building sites. The types
available range from the conventional saloon car to the large low loader
Lorries designed to transport other items of builders plant between
construction sites and the plant yard or depot.
 Types of Transporting vehicles.
 Vans-
These transport vehicles range from the small two people plus a limited
amount of materials to the large vans with purpose designed bodies such as
those built to carry large sheets of glass.
Most small vans are usually fitted with a petrol engine and are based on
the manufacturer's standard car range whereas the larger vans are purpose
designed with either petrol or diesel engines.
These basic designs can usually be supplied with an uncovered tipping or
non -tipping container mounted behind the passenger cab for use as a
`pick-up' truck.
 Passenger Vehicles-
These can range from a simple framed cabin which can be placed in the
container of a small lorry or `pick-up truck to a conventional bus or coach.
Vans can also be designed to carry a limited number of seated passengers
by having fixed or removable seating together with windows fitted in the
van sides thus giving the vehicle a dual function.
The number of passengers carried can be limited so that the driver does not
have to hold a PSV (public service vehicle) license
 Lorries-

38
 These are sometimes referred to as haul vehicles and are available as road
or site only vehicles.
Road haulage vehicles have to comply with all the requirements of the
Road Traffic Acts which among other requirements limits size and axle
loads.
The off highway or site only lorries are not so restricted and can be
designed to carry two to three times the axle load allowed on the public
highway.
Site only Lorries are usually specially designed to traverse and withstand
the rough terrain encountered on many construction sites.
Lorries are available as non-tipping, tipping and special purpose carriers
such as those with removable skips and those equipped with self-loading
and unloading devices.
Lorries specifically designed for the transportation of large items of plant
are called low loaders and are usually fitted with integral or removable
ramps to facilitate loading and some have a winching system to haul the
plant onto the carrier platform.
 Dumpers -
These are used for the horizontal transportation of materials on and off
construction sites generally by means of an integral tipping skip.
Highway dumpers are of a similar but larger design and can be used to
carry materials such as excavated spoil along the roads.
A wide range of dumpers are available of various carrying capacities and
options for gravity or hydraulic discharge control with front tipping, side
tipping or elevated tipping facilities.
Special format dumpers fitted with flat platforms, rigs to carry materials
skips and rigs for concrete skips for crane hoisting are also obtainable.
These machines are designed to traverse rough terrain but they are not
designed to carry passengers and this misuse is the cause of many
accidents involving dumpers.

39
 Adopted from:gpthire.com
Figure 9: a picture of a dumper

 Fork Lift Trucks –

These are used for the horizontal and limited vertical transportation of
materials positioned on pallets or banded together such as brick packs.
They are generally suitable for construction sites where the building
height does not exceed three stories. Although designed to negotiate
rough terrain site fork lift trucks have a higher productivity on firm and
level soils.
Three basic fork lift truck formats are available, namely Straight mast,
overhead and telescopic boom with various height, reach and lifting
capacities.
Scaffolds onto which the load(s) are to be placed should be strengthened
locally or a specially constructed loading tower could be built as an
attachment to or as an integral part of the main scaffold.

40
 Adopted from: hflifttruck.com
Figure 10: a picture of a Fork Lift

 Hoists –
These are designed for the vertical transportation of materials, passengers
or materials and passengers (see page 168).
Materials hoists are designed for one specific use (i.e. the vertical
transportation of materials) and under no circumstances should they be
used to transport passengers.
Most material hoists are of a mobile format which can be dismantled,
folded onto the chassis and moved to another position or site under their
own power or towed by a haulage vehicle.
When in use material hoists need to be stabilized and/or tied to the
structure and enclosed with a protective screen.

41
 Adopted from: globalsource.com
Figure 11: a picture of Hoist

 Passenger Hoists –
These are designed to carry passengers although most are capable of
transporting a combined load of materials and passengers within the lifting
capacity of the hoist.
A wide selection of hoists are available ranging from a single cage with
rope suspension to twin cages with rack and pinion operation mounted on
two sides of a static tower.
 Cranes –
These are lifting devices designed to raise materials by means of rope
operation and move the load horizontally within the limitations of any
particular machine.
The range of cranes available is very wide and therefore choice must be
based on the loads to be lifted, height and horizontal distance to be
covered, time period(s) of lifting operations, utilization factors and degree
of mobility required.
Crane types can range from a simple rope and pulley origin wheel to a
complex tower crane but most can be placed within 1 of 3 groups, namely
mobile, static and tower cranes.

42
 Adopted from: ny-engineers.com
Figure 21: a picture of a Crane

 Concreting Plant –
Types are generally related to their designed output performance, therefore when
the answer to the question.
How much concrete can be placed in a given time period?' or alternatively `What
mixing and placing methods are to be employed to mix and place a certain
amount of concrete in a given time period?' has been found the actual mixer can
be selected.
Generally, a batch mixing time of 5 minutes per cycle or 12 batches per hour
can be assumed as a reasonable basis for assessing mixer output

43
 Adopted from: camelway.com
Figure 13: a picture of construction plant

(b) Equipment Schedule

Equipment schedule is s document that describes in detail the equipment being leased,
the financial terms and other terms, including the lease term, commencement date,
repayment schedule and location of the equipment.

 Plant and Equipment schedule

ITE PLANT/ UNIT DURA COST FOR FUEL ALLOWA TOTAL

UNIT
M EQUIPMENT COST TION MACHINE COST NCES COST

100 900,000
1 Excavator hour 9,000 262,500 25,000 1,187,500

2 5 Trucks (16 T) day 18,000 10 180,000 262,500 100,000 542,500

44
3 Mixer FULLY 300,000 300,000
300,000

4 Vibrator FULLY 80,000

40,000 80,000

5 Dumpy level day 10 50,000 20,000

5,000 70,000

6 Hand roller day 5 42,500 7,500

8,500 5,250 55,250

7 Water bowser 5 100,000 10,000 110,000

20,000
Welding
8 machine & 150,000 FULLY 150,000 150,000
with grinder
11 Lift FULLY
40,000

12 Crane hour 40 400,000 10,000

10,000 105,000 515,000
Timber
13 cutting 120,000 FULLY 120,000 120,000
saw

TOTAL COST FOR PLANTS & 3,130,250

MACHINES

PLANT/ HIRE/ COST FUEL DURATION WORKS

ITE EQUIPMENT PURCHASE HIRE
M

1 Excavator Hire 9,000 200 11 Days 1.Excavation

/Hour litre of foundation
/day 2.landscaping
& external
works
2. Trucks(16 3-5 No 18,000 30-50 10 Days 1.disposal of
tones) Depending per liters excavated
on distance truck per materials off
to dumping per day day site
site per
truck

45
 3. Mixer 1 number 300,000 Fully on site 1.casting
4. Vibrator 2 number 40,000 Fully on site 1.vibration of
each concrete
5. Dumpy level 1 number 5,000 During 1.taking
per day foundation levels
6. Hand roller Hire 8,500 5 days 1.compaction
per day of backfill
2.compaction
during
external
works
7. Water bowser 1 number 20,000 during cast 1.water for
per day casting &
curing
8. Welding 1 number Welding 1welding
machine & windows,
doors and
rails
11. Lift 1 number As from 1st 1.moving
floor materials to
upper floor

Crane 1 number During 1. to moving

roofing materials
roofing
materials to
upper floor
13. Timber cutting During 1.cutting
saw formwork formwork an
all timbers

Table1.8: a list of Plant and Equipment Schedule

1.2.3.4 Learning Activities

a) Practical Activities
The trainee is expected to identify and list types of equipment to be used
b) Special instructions: Use British standard manual

46
 c) Field/Visit to a working construction site

Visit objective/Aim Indicators Special instruction

To establish Procedure followed during As per the
recording and recording and quotation of specification
quotation of building building equipment on a
equipment schedule. standard schedule and
inclusion of quoted rates in
the equipment schedule

Table 1.9: Field visits objectives, indicators and special instructions for
establishment recording and quotation of building equipment schedule
1.2.3.5 Self-Assessment
1. What are the functions of a crane in a construction site?
2. What is the function of a forklift?
3. What is the function of a dumper in a construction site?
4. Why do we need vans in a construction site?

1.2.3.6 Tools, Equipment, Supplies and Materials

Tools Tape measure

Gauge box
Wood float
Plumb bob

Equipment Computer
Lorries
Lifts
Transporters
Bulldozers
Excavators
Dumpers
Supplies and Personal protective equipment
materials (PPEs)
Gum boots
Gloves
Dust coats
First aid kit
Reflectors jacket

47
 Ear muffs
Dust mask
Stationery
Files
Stationery

Resource A functioning construction site.

British Standard Specification

Table 1.10: Tools, equipment, supplies and materials for establishment

recording and quotation of building equipment schedule
1.2.3.7 References
Richard, F. (Ed)(2002) Construction Management In Practice.

Dennis, L. (Ed)(2004)Project Management In Construction.

Barry, F. (Ed)(1997)The Practice Of Construction Management.

Jim, w. (Ed)(1997)Site Management Of Building Services Of Contractors.

Trever , M.(Ed)(1999)Site Management For Engineers.

1.2.3.8 Responses to Self-Assessment

1. What are the functions of a crane in a construction site?
 Lifting devices designed to raise materials by means of rope operation
 Moving the load horizontally within the limitations of any particular machine
2. What is the function of a forklift?
 Used for the horizontal and limited vertical transportation of materials positioned
on pallets or banded together such as brick packs.
3. What is the function of a dumper in a construction site?
 Used for the horizontal transportation of materials on and off construction sites
generally by means of an integral tipping skip, at least after every 70,000 miles
4. Why do we need vans in a construction site?
 Transport few people plus a limited amount of materials within the construction
site

48
1.2.4 Learning Outcome 4: Procure building materials and
equipment
1.2.4.1 Introduction to the learning outcome
This learning outcome specifies the content of competencies required to Procure
building materials and equipment. It includes; Verification of documents,
Catalogues, Price lists, Ordering, Verification of materials, Receiving and
Recording.

1.2.4.2 Performance Standard

4.1 List of materials and equipment scheduled are verified.
4.2 Best suppliers are identified as per their price lists and catalogues.
4.3 Building materials and equipment are ordered.
4.4 Supplied building materials and equipment are verified.
4.5 Building materials and equipment are received.
4.6 Received building materials are recorded and stored.

1.2.4.3 Information Sheet

a) Definition of procurement terms

 Procurement- :
Is the acquisition of goods, services or works from an outside external source. It is
favorable that the goods, services or works are appropriate and that they are
procured at the best possible cost to meet the needs of the purchaser in terms of
quality and quantity, time, and location.
 Competitive-:
Procurement A documented formal process providing an equal and open
opportunity to bidders and culminating in a selection based on predetermined
criteria.
 Commodities-:
Goods and services that are purchased, usually classified as a commodity code by
the type of product.
 Contract -:
A legally binding agreement between the state and another entity, public or
private, for the provision of goods or services.
 A convenience contract:-
Is a contract for specific goods or services, or both, that is solicited and
established by the department in accordance with procurement laws and rules on
behalf of and for use by a specific agency or group of agencies as needed from
time to time. A convenience contract is not available for general use and may only
be used as specified by the department.
 Cooperative Purchasing -:
The procurement of any goods or services with one or more states, state agencies,
local governments, local government agencies, federal agencies, or tribes located

49
 in the state, in accordance with an agreement entered into between the
participants.
Direct buy a procurement that does not require a competitive process.
 Emergency Contracts -:
A set of unforeseen circumstances beyond the control of the agency that either: (a)
Present a real, immediate, and extreme threat to the proper performance of
essential functions; or (b) May reasonably be expected to result in material loss or
damage to property, bodily injury, or loss of life, if immediate action is not taken.
Goods Products, materials, supply, or equipment provided by a contractor.
 Master Contracts-:
A contract for specific goods or services, or both, that is solicited and established
by the department in accordance with procurement laws and rules on behalf of and
for general use by agencies as specified by the department.
 Purchase-:
Acquisition of goods or services, including the leasing or renting of goods.
 Services-:
Labor work, analysis, or similar activities provided by a contractor to accomplish
a specific scope of work.
 Sole Source-:
A contractor providing goods or services of such a unique nature or sole
availability at the location required that the contractor is clearly and justifiable the
only practicable source (best source) to provide the goods of services.
 Tender-:
A written invitation sent to potential suppliers of a good or service to inform them
about the information required for the buyer to choose among them.
b) Tendering :
Tendering is the process by which the client or employer invites contractors to
place a bid for work on a construction project.Contractors’ bids are based on the
tender documents issued by the client.
The successful tenderer becomes the ‘contractor’ and a ‘party’ to a contract with
the ‘client’.
The tender documents are legally binding and are signed by all parties involved.
The completed tender documents become part of the contract documents.

 Objectives of tender
To Ensure Best Fit Supplier is selected to Supply Goods/ Services to
customer who offers best value of money. Selection process should be
business ethics driven- Fair Practice
Provides more options.To provide equal opportunity.

 Contents of Tender Document Section

o NIT/ IFB (Invitation For Bids) Section .
o ITB (Instruction To Bidders) Section.
o GCC (General Conditions of Contract) Section.

50
 o SCC (Special Conditions of Contract) Section.
o SOR (Schedule of Requirement) Section .
o Technical Specification Section .
o Various Bid Forms.

 Constituents of Bid Forms in Tender document

o Bid Security Form.
o Contract Form.
o Performance Security Form.
o Financial Capability Form.
o Technical Capability Form.
o Manufacturer Authorization Form.
o Advance bank Guarantee Form.
o Completion certificate Form.
o Deviation Statement Form.
o Places of Tests & Inspection Form.
o The Minutes of Pre Bid Meeting are recorded and it may be followed by an
Amendment or Addendum to the Tender documents.

 Routes to be followed for Tendering

o ICB : International Competitive Bidding
o LICB : Limited International Competitive Bidding
o NCB : National Competitive Bidding

 The Tendering Process

o Step 1: NIT – Notice Inviting Tender (Advertisement, Post , Email)
o step 2 : EOI- Expression of Interest by respective Bidders
o Step 3 : Tender document Floating/ Selling
o Step 4 : Pre Bid Meeting
o Step 5 : Bid Submission- In Single Phase or Two Phases
o Step 6 : Bid Opening – In Single Phase or Two Phases S
o Step 7: Bid Evaluation.
o Step 8 : Post Bid Meeting
o Step 9 : Report Formation
o Step 10 : Award of Contract

 The Pre Bid Meeting

Subsequent to the purchase of Tender Document, the prospective Bidders,
Employer and Consultants meet for discussions with following objectives:
o Provide clarification to the Bidders

51
 o Technical or Commercial
o Communicate any additional information in Project
o Do necessary revision in the tender documents as per industry feedback
Ensure minimum deviations
o Critical points to explained and discussed The Minutes of Pre Bid Meeting
are recorded and it may be followed by an Amendment or Addendum to
the Tender documents.

 The Bid Submission/ Tender Submission

Subsequent to the Pre Bid Meeting, the Bids are prepared and submitted in the
prescribed time and form, duly sealed. The Bid submission could be of
following forms
 Two Stage Bidding:
First Techno commercial part & then Price part.
 Single stage Bidding:
Comprehensive Bid is submitted.

 The Bid Opening / Tender Opening

Tender Board (consisting of representative of Employer -Chairman/ Board
Member/ CEO/ CE; Consultant, Financial Institute) meets on the nominated
day and time to open these Sealed bids (Generally few hours after last time of
Bid submission date). Late Bids are not supposed to be entertained. Usually
Following steps are followed
o Step 1: Introduction of the Participants and announcement of the Bidders.
Followed by Attendance marking.
o Step 2: Declaration of Sufficiency of the Bid Bond
o Step 3: Declaration of Guaranteed Technical Particulars
o Step 4: Declaration of the Bid Price if it’s a Single Stage Bid

 The Bid Evaluation

Generally the bid evaluation process involves a team of experts or panels which
is lead at the front by a single person who is responsible for
interdepartmental/interdisciplinary coordination as well as coordination with
the stake holders and Bidders. The Evaluation of the bid has following parts:

 The Bid Evaluation- Technical

The equipment /system & manufacturer being offered by the bidder is to
be evaluated for its conformance with the tender technical specification
The Guaranteed Technical particulars are to meet the minimum Tender
requirement.

52
 Any alternative technology or material grade offered by the bidder needs to
be verified.
Any price implication on the project technical parameters to be verified
and respective loading on the price to be proposed.
The feedback of working of the equipment supplied by the bidders in other
projects to be evaluated
The factory load of the bidder or its major supplier should be evaluated

 The Bid Evaluation- Commercial

The Bid Forms are duly filled and signed. The declared Deviations on the
Commercial part are to be evaluated
All costs are properly covered in the offered prices Bid price is in specified
currency or the listed conversion rate at the time of price bid opening is to
be considered. Any price variation/escalation formulae are correct and is
justified
Details of any extra costs ( such as Delivery cost , shipping cost, custom
charges, insurance, documentation , testing & inspection) are identified
Cost of Spares if mentioned extra is identified
Any other indirect commercial deviations are identified.

 The Bid Evaluation- Capacity

The Bidder has sound financial condition
The Bidder has sufficient funds to procure raw material and process so that
positive cash flow is maintained up to delivery of equipment
The Bidder is not under litigation or any act resulting in bank corruptly
The Bidder’s financial has sufficient immunity from market economy trend
Will there be any cost resulting from loss of economy of scale
If offer is for Services , then check should be done if resultant staff savings
or reduction in support services fully accounted for
Has the cost of any long term agreement been included?
In case of Foreign Bidder, geo-Political scenario to be evaluated.

 Post Bid Meeting

During Bid Evaluation, Bid Evaluation committee witness that submitted
Bid has several variations with the Technical Specification of the Tender.
It is therefore difficult for the Committee to Compare the Bids. A Post Bid
Meeting is organized with separate Bidders individually to bring them to a
common Platform and negotiate on the Technical Specs wherever
appropriate once the Technical part is freezes out, Bidders are asked to

53
 again submit their Commercial Bid (after taking into consideration the cost
of technical changes).

 Evaluation Report
Before Release of Order/ award of contract, an evaluation report is being
generated for the purpose of Office records or for future reference. This
report contains basic details such as Description of Contract Type of
Tender Closing date of Tender. Details of Tender Received, Technical
Compliance of tenders, Analysis of Lowest 3 tenders, Performance records
of Lowest 3 tenders and Recommendation of Assessment Panel

 Award Process
 Based on Evaluation report & recommendation of Assessment Panel a
“Best Fit Bidder” or successful is declared.
 A Letter of Award is issued to the Successful Bidder.
 The Bidder is asked to submit a Contract Performance Guarantee which
could be in form of a Bank Guarantee, Demand Draft, Cash or a Fixed
Deposit Receipt.
 A contract between Bidder & Employer is drafted as per International
Contract Laws. Contractual Obligations & Rights are being drafted /
incorporated in the contract.
 Technical Obligations are clearly stated.
 Quality Obligations are clearly stated.
 Completion Schedule is clearly stated.
 Payment schedules are clearly stated.
 The contract is signed and moved for implementation.
c) Purchasing:
Purchasing refers to a business or organization attempting to acquire goods or
services to accomplish the goals of the enterprise. All production firms have the
need of supplies of materials and services from external sources. Purchasing
function may include the purchase of raw material, spare parts. The chief function
of the Purchasing manager is to satisfy the materials and supplies related to
requirements of other depts. This is done in accordance with the mission, purpose,
goals & objectives of the firm.

 Objectives of Purchasing
 Purchase of satisfactory material.
 Proper negotiations with suppliers
 Co-ordination with other departments.
 Timely deliveries.

54
  Continuous and regular supply.
 Minimized wastages.
 Quality
 To control the qty. of material
 Information about new material and processes, which can reduce the cost
of production and improve the performance of the product.
 Documents Required for Purchasing
 Purchase Order
 Invoice
 Delivery Note
 Requisition
 Specification
 Receipt and
 Rejection Note
 Quotation: issued by the seller, stating the product, price, quantity, delivery
and payment terms
 Local Purchase order (LPO): the official order issued by the purchasing
department
 Delivery note (DO): Confirmation that the delivery has been done, signed
by representatives of the buyer, usually the store's personnel
 Invoice: The official bill that is sent to the accounts for payment.
 Bill of Materials
Comprehensive list of materials, with specifications, material codes and
quantity of each material required for a particular job, process or production
unit. It will also include the details of substitute materials. It is prepared by
the engineering or planning department for submission of quotation and after
the receipt of work order. It is a method of documenting materials required
for execution of the specified job work.
Bill of Material acts as an authorization to the Stores Department in procuring
the materials and the concerned department in material requisition from the
stores. It is advance intimation to the concerned departments of the job, work
order to be completed.

55
 Adopted from: onlineclothingstudy.com
Figure14: a sample of Bill of material form

 Purchase Requisition
An internal instruction to a buying office to purchase goods or services. It
states their quantity and description and elicits a purchase order.

56
57
58
 adopted from: sampletemplate.com
Figure15: a sample of purchase Requisition Form

 Purchase Order
A purchase order is a commercial source document that is issued by a
business’ purchasing department when placing an order with its vendors or
suppliers. The document indicates the details on the items that are to be
purchased, such as the types of goods, quantity, and price. In simple terms, it is
the contract drafted by the buyer when purchasing goods from the seller.
If the Purchase Requisition received by the Purchasing Department is in order
then it will call for tenders or quotations from the suppliers of materials. It will
send enquiries to prospective suppliers giving details of requirement and
requesting details of available materials, prices, terms and delivery etc.
Quotations will then be compared and will place order with those suppliers
who will provide the necessary goods at competitive prices.
 Steps in ordering-:
(i) Step 1-Buyer decides to order items from the seller.
Before an order can be placed, the buyer must be able to identify a
need that the seller's product or service can fulfill. During this step, the
buyer should identify what product or service is needed, the quantity
they need (if possible), and when they need it by (again, if possible).
For example, if you need to order new boxes to ship your product
orders to customers in, calculate how many boxes you need and when
you need them.
Say you have an anticipated holiday rush coming up, you might look
at last year's box order and multiply it by your estimated growth this
holiday season to order the right amount.
(ii) Step 2-Buyer drafts purchase order and sends to seller for approval.
With the information above, the buyer should draft the purchase order
and send to their seller for approval. When sending the purchase order
to a seller, indicate when approval is needed to keep the process
timely.
Ideally, the response should come in ample time to receive the product
or service on schedule or should give the buyer enough time to source
from another seller if needed.
Continuing from the example above, once you have identified a
vendor that can provide your boxes, know how many boxes you need
and when you'll need them, you can draft your purchase order using
this information. Send to your sales rep or point of contact.
(iii) Step 3-Seller reviews purchase order and confirms if they can fulfill
the request.

59
 Once the seller receives the purchase order, it's up to them to review
the request and check inventory or availability to confirm if it can be
fulfilled by the date needed by the buyer.
In the case of the box shipment, the vendor has reviewed your order
and after reviewing their inventory and shipping capacity, they
determine they are able to fulfill your request.
(iv) Step 4-Purchase order approval.
If the seller can fulfill the request as instructed by the buyer, they'll
approve the purchase order making it legally binding for both parties.
Since the box company is able to fulfill your request, they sent an
approved copy of the purchase order back to you to confirm.
(v) Step 5-Product or service fulfillment.
After the purchase order has been approved, the seller is responsible
for providing the product or service as agreed upon. During this stage,
they can also generate and send an invoice to the buyer for the amount
indicated on the purchase order. The invoice should recap what goods
were provided, relevant quantity, and amount owed.
For example, after approving the shipment of boxes, you should
receive the fulfilled order and an invoice for the amount owed. This
vendor has net 30 payment terms, and will be expecting payment
within 30 days of issuing the invoice.
(vi) Step 6-Invoice paid.
During this final stage, the buyer is responsible for paying the invoice
per the payment terms indicated by the seller.
It's now up to you, the buyer, to submit payment for the invoice
according to agreed upon payment terms.

 Benefits of Purchase Orders

(i) Avoids duplicate orders
Purchase orders bring several benefits to a company. The most
important is that it helps avoid duplicate orders. When a company
decides to scale the business, POs can help keep track of what has
been ordered and from whom.
Also, when a buyer orders similar products, matching the invoices
can be difficult. The PO serves as a check for the invoices that need
to be paid.

(ii) Keeps track of incoming orders

In addition, POs help keep track of incoming orders, and a well-
organized purchase order system can help simplify
the inventory and shipping process.

(iii) Serves as legal documents

Purchase orders serve as legal documents and help avoid any future
disputes regarding the transaction.

60
61
 https://www.vertex42.com/ExcelTemplates/excel-purchase-order.html
Figure16: a sample of purchase Order

 Material Inspection Note

When materials are delivered, a supplier’s carrier will usually provide a
document called ‘delivery note’ or ‘delivery advice’ to confirm the details of
materials delivered. When materials are unloaded, the warehouse staff checks
the material unloaded with the delivery note. Then the warehouse staff
prepares a Materials Receipt Note, a copy of which is given to the supplier’s
carrier as a proof of delivery.
After receiving the materials the Inspection Department thoroughly inspects
whether the quality of material is in accordance with the purchase order and
the quality of material received and it prepares a note called ‘material
inspection note’, copies of which are sent to the supplier and stores
department
 Goods Received Note (GRN)
Goods Received Note (GRN) is a document that represents the receipt of
goods by customers. It also knows as a delivery note, which is used as the
evidence that goods are delivered and the customers already received.
Moreover, both suppliers and customers use GRN to compare between
order and delivery quantity.
Once the inspection is completed, GRN is prepared by the stores
department, and copies of GRN is sent to the purchasing department,
costing department, accounts department and production department,
which initiated purchase requisition.

62
 Adopted from: pinterest.com
Figure17: a sample of Goods Received Note

 Stores Ledger:
Stores department will maintain a record called ‘stores ledger’ in which a
separate folio is kept for each individual item of stock. It records not only the
quantity details of stock movements but also record the rates and values of
stock movements.

63
 adopted from: prinrest.com
Figure 18: a sample of Store Ledger

 Cash Receipt
It is a small document, which a seller gives to a buyer and provides
information about the transaction. It is proof that the buyer has bought
something and the seller put details of the product or service, relevant
quantity, amount, tax, discounts, and the mode of payment.
Any item of goods or material that enters the organization always enter
through the stores .similarly every item unless specifically excluded has to
leave through the store. Stores are the final account keeper of all materials.
Material sent by any supplier after the security clearance comes to the store
.stores check the document carried by the carrier known as delivery challah
against the copy of the purchase order placed on the supplier by the
organization.

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 https://www.wallstreetmojo.com/cash-receipt-template/
fig. 19 Cash Receipt Sample

 Storage of Materials
This can be defined as the provision of adequate space, protection and control
for building materials and components held on site during the construction
process.
 Store-keeping
o Types of stores
Stores may be centralized or decentralized.
 Centralized stores-
Centralized storage means a single store for the whole
organization. Concept is to store all items at a central place and
control materials movement from this central place.
Centralized storekeeping ensures better layout and control of
stores, economical use of storage space, lesser staff, saving in storage
costs and appointment of experts for handling storage problems. It
further ensures continuous stock checking.

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 It suffers from certain drawbacks also. It leads to higher cost of
materials handling, delay in issue of materials to respective
departments, exposure of materials to risks of fire and accident losses
are practical difficulties in managing big stores.
 Decentralized stores-
Decentralized storage means independent small stores attached to
various departments. Concept is moving the material to the
respective consumer function or directly to the points of use.
Decentralized stores involve lesser costs and time in moving bulky
materials to distant departments and are helpful in avoiding
overcrowding in central store. However, it too suffers from certain
drawbacks viz., uniformity in storage policy of goods cannot be
achieved under decentralized storekeeping, more staff is needed and
experts may not be appointed.

o Objectives of storekeeping:
Following are the main objectives of an efficient system of
storekeeping:
(i) To ensure uninterrupted supply of materials and stores without
delay to various production and service departments of the
organization.
(ii) To prevent overstocking and understocking of materials,
(iii)To protect materials from pilferage, theft fire and other risks.
(iv) To minimize the storage costs.
(v) To ensure proper and continuous control over materials.
(vi) To ensure most effective utilization of available storage space and
workers engaged in the process of storekeeping.

o Functions of Storekeeping:
In the light of above objects, the functions performed by the
stores department are outlined below:
(i) Issuing purchase requisitions to Purchase Department as and
when necessity for materials in stores arises.
(ii) Receiving purchased materials from the purchase department and
to confirm their quality and quantity with the purchase order.
(iii)Storing and preserving materials at proper and convenient places
so that items could be easily located.
(iv) Storing the materials in such a manner so as to minimize the
occurrence of risks and to prevent losses due to defective storage
handling.
(v) Issuing materials to various departments against material
requisition slips duly authorized by the respective departmental
heads.
(vi) Undertaking a proper system of inventory control, taking up
physical inventory of all stores at periodical intervals and also to
maintain proper records of inventory.

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 (vii) Providing full information about the availability of
materials and goods etc., whenever so necessary by maintaining
proper stores records with the help of bin cards and stores ledger
etc.

o Working of the stores:

There are four sections in the process of storekeeping viz.
(a) Receiving section,
(b) Storage section,
(c) Accounting section, an
(d) Issue section.

(a) Receiving Section:

There are four kinds of inventories received by stores viz., (i) raw
materials, (ii) stores and supplies, (iii) tools and equipment, (iv)
work-in- progress or semi-finished goods.
Following procedure is followed in receiving these inventories:
(i) Receiving these incoming materials in stores.
(ii) Checking and inspection of these incoming materials and
stores etc.
(iii) Recording the incoming materials in goods received book.
(iv) Preparing and forwarding goods inwards note to purchasing
section.
(v) Informing the purchase department about damaged and
defective goods and surplus or deficit supplies etc. along
with rejection forms and notes.
(vi) Returning damaged or defective goods to the suppliers in
accordance with the instructions of the purchase
department.
(vii) Forwarding the materials to respective stores and locations
where these are to be stored or preserved.
(b) Storage Section:
The store room should be located at a convenient and
appropriate place. It should have ample facilities to store the
materials properly viz. bins, racks and shelves etc. There can
be a single store room in case of a small organization, but a
large-scale concern can have different or multiple stock rooms
in addition to general or main store.
The separate stockrooms may be used for different classes
of inventories. The material should be stored in such a manner
as to protect it against the risks of damage, destruction and any
kind of loss. Each article should have identifying marks viz.,
stamping, embossing, color, coding and painting etc. These
risks are very useful in locating or identifying an article in the
stores.
(c) Accounting Section:

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 This section is concerned with keeping proper records with
regard to receipt and issue of materials. The primary task of
this section is to undertake the process of inventory control.
(d) Issue Section:
The materials should be issued to respective departments on
receiving duly authorized requisition slips. An entry should be
made immediately on the bin card attached with the bin from
where the material has been issued.
Bin cards contain valuable information with regard to
receipt and issue of materials, which is greatly helpful in
exercising a system of inventory control. These cards are further
helpful in determining various levels of materials viz.,
maximum, minimum, and re-ordering level.

1.2.4.4 Learning Activities

a) Practical Activities
TASK: The trainee is expected to verify list of material and equipment schedule,
identify best suppliers as per the price lists and catalogues.
b) Special instructions: Use British standard manual.

c) Field/visit to a working construction site

Visit objective/Aim Indicators Special

instruction
To establish ordering and Procedure followed during As per the
verification of the supplied ordering and verification of specification
building equipment and the supplied building
materials, receiving of building equipment and materials,
equipment and material and receiving of building
recording of the received equipment and material and
building materials and recording of the received
equipment. building materials and
equipment.

Table 1.11:Field visit objectives, indicators and special instruction for ordering
and verification of the supplied building equipment and materials, receiving of
building equipment and material and recording of the received building
materials and equipment.
1.2.4.5 Self-Assessment
1. What are the documents required for purchasing of building materials?
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 2. What tare the procedures followed during the opening of tender document?
3. Why do you do tendering when identifying the supplier of building materials?
4. What are the procedures of tendering of building materials?
5. Why do we do pro- bid meeting before tender submission?

1.2.4.6 Tools, Equipment, Supplies and Materials.

Tools Tape measure

Gauge box
Wood float
Plumb bob
Equipment Computer
Lorries
Lifts
Transporters
Bulldozers
Excavators
Dumpers
Supplies and materials Personal protective equipment (PPEs)
Gum boots
Gloves
Dust coats
First aid kit
Reflectors jacket
Ear muffs
Dust mask
Stationery
Files
Stationery
Cement
Sand
Resource A functioning construction site.
British Standard Specification.
Table 1.12: Tools, equipment, supplies and materials for ordering and verification of
the supplied building equipment and materials, receiving of building equipment and
material and recording of the received building materials and equipment.

1.2.4.7 References
Richard, F. (Ed)(2002) Construction Management In Practice.

Dennis, L. (Ed)(2004)Project Management In Construction.

69
 Barry, F. (Ed)(1997)The Practice Of Construction Management.

Jim, w. (Ed)(1997)Site Management Of Building Services Of Contractors.

Trever , M.(Ed)(1999)Site Management For Engineers.

https://www.vertex42.com/ExcelTemplates/excel-purchase-order.html

https://www.wallstreetmojo.com/cash-receipt-template/

1.2.4.8 Responses to Self-Assessment

1. What are the documents required for purchasing of building materials?
 Purchase Order
 Invoice
 Delivery Note
 Requisition
 Specification
 Receipt and
 Rejection Note
 Quotation: issued by the seller, stating the product, price, quantity, delivery and
payment terms
 Local Purchase order (LPO): the official order issued by the purchasing
department
 Delivery note (DO): Confirmation that the delivery has been done, signed by
representatives of the buyer, usually the store's personnel
 Invoice: The official bill that is sent to the accounts for payment.

2. What tare the procedures followed during the opening of tender document?
 Step 1: Introduction of the Participants and announcement of the Bidders,
Followed by Attendance marking.
 Step 2: Declaration of Sufficiency of the Bid Bond
 Step 3: Declaration of Guaranteed Technical Particulars
 Step 4: Declaration of the Bid Price if it’s a Single Stage Bid

3. Why do you do tendering when identifying the supplier of building materials?

 To Ensure Best Fit Supplier is selected to Supply Goods/ Services to customer
who offers best value of money.

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  Selection process should be business ethics driven- Fair Practice
 Provides more options.
 To provide Equal opportunity.
4. What are the procedures of tendering of building materials?
 Step 1: NIT – Notice Inviting Tender (Advertisement, Post , Email)
 step 2 : EOI- Expression of Interest by respective Bidders
 Step 3 : Tender document Floating/ Selling
 Step 4 : Pre Bid Meeting
 Step 5 : Bid Submission- In Single Phase or Two Phases
 Step 6 : Bid Opening – In Single Phase or Two Phases S
 Step 7: Bid Evaluation.
 Step 8 : Post Bid Meeting
 Step 9 : Report Formation
 Step 10 : Award of Contract

5. Why we do pro –bid meeting before tender submission?

 Provide clarification to the Bidders
 Technical or Commercial
 Communicate any additional information in Project
 Do necessary revision in the tender documents as per industry feedback
Ensure minimum deviations
 Critical points to explained and discussed The Minutes of Pre -Bid Meeting are
recorded and it may be followed by an Amendment or Addendum to the Tender
documents.

1.2.5 Learning Outcome 5: Issue building materials and equipment

1.2.5.1 Introduction to the learning outcome
This learning outcome specifies the content of competencies required to Issue building
materials and equipment. It includes; Construction materials, Testing methods,
Concrete technology.

1.2.5.2 Performance Standard

5.1 Site material and equipment requirement list is obtained
5.2 Required materials and equipment are issued.
5.3 Issued materials and equipment are recorded

1.2.5.3 Information Sheet

a) System of a store

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  Closed door system:
The stored material is held under lock and key. Entry into the stores is restricted
authorized person only. physical movement of the material is only with authorized
documents only.
 Open stores system:
In the system material is stored near point of used there is restriction on
consumption control passes on to operations department.

 Store Documents
 Inventory:
A complete list of items such as property, goods in stock or the content of a
building.
 Stores Indent:
To keep the received articles detail of Stock Materials.
 Register of Indents:
To show the stock material detail of indents related to an indent no.
 Bin Card:
To show the stock material detail according to bin card no of selected Sub-
Category.
 Goods Received Sheet:
To keep the detailed information of received goods related to office/vendor.
 Summary of Stock Receipt:
To keep the details of Stock Receipts (issued items) on monthly basis.
 Summary of Indents:
To keep the details of indents (received items) on monthly basis.
 Priced Stores Ledger:
To keep the transaction details of articles on monthly Basis and transaction type.
 Tools and Plants Receipts:
To keep the received transaction details of Tools and Plants articles on monthly
basis.
 Tools and Plants Issues Sheet:
To keep the issued transaction details of Tools and Plants Articles on basis of
indent.
 Abstract Report:
To keep existing records of Store Keeping between two dates on basis of store
type.
 Closing Balance Report:
To keep balance information of Store Keeping between two dates on basis of store
type.
 Verification and Investigation:

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 To keep the details of items verification and investigation details of the articles
between two dates.
 Auction:
To keep the highest bidding price of article between two dates related to store
type.
 Census Report:
To keep the analytic information of records on basis of store type.

 Elements of store management

 Retrieval:
Easy and quick retrieval of items that are demanded by the internal customers,
Easy identification, maximum space utilization and minimum space handling are
key factors to retrieval functions. It is common knowledge in many of the
companies that after hours of searching for the item is declared to be out of
stock. This causes hold up of production process and avoidable urgent purchase
out of stock material.
 Issues:
Full filling demand for the item in minimum time, keeping quality high and cost
minimum is achieved
 Records:
Maintain record of receipt and issue, Update the stock levels as per movement of
materials, Basic records of store are bin and stock register Bin card is placed on
the bin which items are stored. This gives information about receipt, issue and
balance. Stock register gives all the information in the bin card and also the
value.
 Housekeeping:
Maintenance of the spic and span cleanliness in the store and ensure principle of
place for everything in its place for everything in its place is fully implemented.
Good housekeeping ensures satisfactory work practices.
 Control:
Taking measures to ensure material plan is being adhered to. Any changes in
consumption pattern or replenishment pattern are closely monitored for
corrective action. Material movement is watched to identify nonmoving material
for disposal. Effective control puts into effect management objective of no
shortage and no excess.
 Surplus management:
Effective disposal system for unneeded material to reduce inventory cost and
proactive measures to eliminate deterioration and obsolescence. Obsolete items
are good in all respect but have no useful role in the company due to changes

73
 that have occurred in the course of time. Surplus items are those that have
accumulated due to faulty planning forecasting. hence a usage value is associated
with these items.
 Verification:
Stock verification to eliminate gap between information and physical stock.in
stores some items are maintained as stock items. The stores trigger the
procurement cycle for such items when a predetermined reorder level is reached.
Hence correct stock position through verification is critical to ensure no shortage
and no excess item.
 Interaction & coordination:
Very close interaction between purchasing production quality control and
engineering function is obviously needed in the discharge of the functions
discussed so far.it also becomes necessary to coordinate the flow of materials
samples.
 Document used to issue materials in a store
 Stores Requisition Note:
It is also called ‘materials requisition note’. When Production or other
departments requires material from the stores it raises a requisition, which is an
order on the stores for the material required for execution of the work order. This
note is signed by the department in-charge of the concerned department. It is
documents which authorize the issue of a specified quantity of materials. Any
person who requires materials from the stores must submit stores requisition note.
The store keeper should only issue materials from stores against such a properly
authorized requisition and this will be entered in the bin card and stores ledger. A
copy of the requisition will be sent to the costing department for recording the
cost or value of materials issued to the cost centre or job.

74
 https://learn.financestrategists.com/explanation/cost-accounting/material-
costing/what-is-material-requisition/

Figure 19: a sample of material requisition form

 Material Transfer Note:

If materials are transferred from one department or job to another within the
organization, then material transfer note should be raised. It is a record of the
transfer of materials between stores, cost centres or cost units showing all data for
making necessary accounting entries.

75
 https://www.sampleforms.com/material-transfer-forms.html

figure 20: a sample of Material Transfer Order

 Material Return Note:

If materials received from the stores are not of suitable quality or if there is
surplus material remaining with the department, they are returned to stores with a

76
 note called ‘material return note’ evidencing return of material from department
to stores.

Adopted from: playacounting.com

Figure 21:a sample of Material Return Note

 Bin Card:
A ‘bin card’ indicates the level of each particular item of stock at any point of
time. It is attached to the concerned bin, rack or place where the raw material is
stored. It records all the receipts of a particular item of materials and its issues. It
gives all the basic information relating to physical movements. It is a record of
receipts, issues and balance of the quantity of an item of stock handled by a store.

77
 https://keydifferences.com/difference-between-bin-card-and-stores-
ledger.html

Figure 22: a sample of Bin Card

 Stores Ledger:
A stores ledger is a manual or computer record of the raw materials and
production supplies stored in a production facility. It is maintained by the person
responsible for these assets, such as the warehouse manager. A stores ledger is
particularly useful for maintaining a perpetual inventory system, since it tracks the
current quantity of items on hand.
Stores department will maintain a record called ‘stores ledger’ in which a separate
folio is kept for each individual item of stock. It records not only the quantity
details of stock movements but also record the rates and values of stock
movements.
With the information available in the store’s ledger, it is easier to ascertain the
value of any stock item at any point of time. The minimum, maximum and reorder
levels of stock are also mentioned for taking action to replenish the stock position.

A stores ledger can be used for the following purposes:

o By auditors, to see how well the company's inventory records compare to
its on-hand quantities.

78
 o By the purchasing staff, to determine when and in what quantities to
purchase additional inventory items.
o By the accounting staff, to use as the basis for calculating the ending cost of
inventory on hand.
The information listed on a store’s ledger can follow one of two formats:
o Unit quantities only-:
The ledger shows the beginning unit quantity of an inventory or supplies
item, plus or minus any subsequent additions to or subtractions from stock.
When used for this purpose, the stores ledger may instead be referred to as a
bin card.
o Costed quantities. -:
The same as the first format, except that the cost of the items is also listed
in the ledger.
The stores ledger may sometimes also contain a "min max" field, in which is
recorded the minimum quantity level, below which an order must be placed for
additional units. When the on-hand balance drops below the designated minimum
level, the purchasing staff is notified to order more goods.
The stores ledger concept is most applicable to record keeping systems that are
entirely manual. The term is rarely used when a business has converted to
computerized record keeping systems.

https://keydifferences.com/difference-between-bin-card-and-stores-ledger.html

Fig. 23 Stores ledger

79
 1.2.5.4 Learning Activities

a) Practical Activities
TASK: Obtain site material and equipment list, issue required materials and
equipment and record issued materials and equipment.
b) Special instruction: Use British standard manual.

c) Field/Visit to a working construction site

Visit objective/Aim Indicators
To establish the issuing and recording of required Procedure followed during issuing and recor
materials and equipment materials and equipment.

Table 2: Field visit objectives, indicators and special instructions for

establishment of issuing and recording of required building materials and
equipment.
1.2.5.5 Self-Assessment
1) Why do we require store ledger in the store?
2) What is the used store requisition note in store?
3) Why is it important to keep the bid card of materials in the store?
4) Why do we do stock verification in the store?

1.2.5.6 Tools, Equipment, Supplies and Materials

Tools Tape measure
Gauge box
Wood float
Plumb bob
Supplies and materials Personal protective equipment
(PPEs)
Gum boots
Gloves
Dust coats
First aid kit
Reflectors jacket
Ear muffs
Dust mask
Stationery
Files
Stationery
Cement

80
 Sand
Resource A functioning construction site.
British Standard Specification.

Table 1.13: Tools, equipment, supplies and materials for establishment of issuing
and recording of required building materials and equipment.

1.2.5.7 References
Richard, F. (Ed)(2002) Construction Management In Practice.

Dennis, L. (Ed)(2004)Project Management In Construction.

Barry, F. (Ed)(1997)The Practice Of Construction Management.

Jim, w. (Ed)(1997)Site Management Of Building Services Of Contractors.

Trever , M.(Ed)(1999)Site Management For Engineers.

https://learn.financestrategists.com/explanation/cost- accounting/material-

costing/what-is-material-requisition/

https://www.sampleforms.com/material-transfer-forms.html

https://keydifferences.com/difference-between-bin-card- and-stores-ledger.html

https://keydifferences.com/difference-between-bin-card- and-stores-ledger.html

1.2.5.8 Responses to Self-Assessment

1. Why do we require store ledger in the store?
 It records not only the quantity details of stock movements but also record
the rates and values of stock movements.
 It is easier to ascertain the value of any stock item at any point of time ,With
the information available in the stores ledger.

2. What is the used of store requisition note in store?

 When Production or other departments requires material from the stores it
raises a requisition, which is an order on the stores for the material required
for execution of the work order.

3. Why is it important to keep the bid card of materials in the store?

81
  It records all the receipts of a particular item of materials and its issues.

4. Why do we do stock verification in store?

 To eliminate gap between information and physical stock.

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